Our

Mission

The Mission Statement was written in 1995, and has changed only slightly over the years. We may not refer to it often, but it remains the guiding principal of our school, and underlies our philosophy, curriculum and teaching, and all of our decision-making:

To provide the highest level of instruction in classical methods of drawing, painting and sculpture for students wishing to pursue careers as professional artists in the Realist tradition.

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Founder’s

Message

“As I considered formalizing a course of study for students interested in realism, I first of all envisioned a school based on the time-tested principles that had produced the great, varied body of realist art. It would not promote a specific style, rather offer a complete classical education including humanities, art history, anatomy, ecorché, composition, and perspective, all at the service of drawing, painting and sculpture. It would inspire and encourage the individual, whatever the level of talent, and promote individuality and original thought. It would embrace open dialogue within the studio, and among other artists and institutions that share an interest in the development of classical realism. This vision has become The Florence Academy of Art today.” Daniel Graves, Founder

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“When asked to speak about the Academy, I find myself telling the story of its development, or the daily routine of studio life. What I cannot describe but see so vividly are the faces of the hundreds of students who have studied with us, and the many more hundreds of drawings, paintings and sculptures they have made. This is for me is the true value of The Florence Academy of Art.” – Daniel Graves, Founder

Timeline

1991

Daniel Graves began the Academy in 1991 in a small studio in the gardens of a local Florentine palace owned by the Corsini family. By word of mouth, the handful of students who had come to study with Graves grew to exceed the space.

1994

In 1994, the Academy moved to a single 4500 square-foot studio on Via delle Casine, housing two disciplines (drawing and painting); the first student body consisted of 12 students taught by three instructors (Daniel Graves, John Angel and Charles Weed) with one administrative staff (Susan Tintori).

1995-98

In 1995-96, Via delle Casine briefly housed a sculpture course taught by Cessna DeCosimo. Sculpture was taught in the back storage room, while Daniel worked in a private studio near the office. In 1997, Rosemary Galli was hired as Registrar. In 1998, a second studio was rented on Via Luna, housing the Intensive Drawing Program and the newly formed Sculpture Program. Former FAA student, Robert Bodem, came from the U.S. to create and run sculpture, while Simona Dolci was made Director of the Intensive Drawing Program.

2002

In January 2002, a third studio was added on Via Bandiera dedicated to painting, leaving sculpture in Via Luna, and drawing in Via delle Casine. Ramiro Sanchez was asked to head that program. In 2003, Suzy Fiddy was hired as bookkeeper (now Finance Manager) and model coordinator.

2004

In September 2004, the advanced painting studio was inaugurated in Porta Romana. Hunter Eddy was made co-Director of painting.

2007

In January 2007, the Academy opened its first branch outside of Florence in Mölndal, Sweden, near Gothenburg. Florence Academy graduates, Joakim Ericsson was made Academic Director, Andreas Birath, Executive Director. In 2008 the Swedish branch became accredited by the Swedish government as a post-secondary vocational school.

2010-2011

In 2010, Ramiro Sanchez was named Director of the Advanced Painting Program in Porta Romana. In 2011, Jordan Sokol was made Director of the Intermediate Program in Via Badniera. That year, the Fourth Year Prize was created to offer four graduates the opportunity to work under the mentorship of Daniel Graves.

2012-13

In 2012, the Robert and Christine Emmons Sculpture Center for The Florence Academy of Art was inaugurated in Palazzo Bruciato. Daniela Astone was named Director of the Intermediate Program. In 2013, The Florence Academy of Art was recognized by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) as a U.S. Certificate program in Painting and Sculpture.

2015

In January 2015, the Academy opened its first U.S. branch in Jersey City, NJ (closed June, 30, 2020). Jordan Sokol was made Academic Director. In May 2015, the Academy published a 300-page volume to celebrate its 25th anniversary: The Florence Academy of Art: the First 25 Years, 1991-2016. The book features the work of its alumni, teachers and founder, Daniel Graves.

2015-today

In 2015, with the support of its Board of Trustees and friends, the academy purchased and renovated a 19th century former customs house as its new home in Florence. It opened for the 2016-17 school year. That same year, The Florence Academy of Art was approved by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) to offer a Masters in Fine Art in Painting. In 2018, Mitch Shea became Director of Sculpture, and Ola Alaa El-Din of Sculpture Drawing in 2020. That same year, The Florence Academy of Art was approved by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) to offer a Master in Arts in Studio Art. The MA program began in 2021 at St. Peter’s University in Jersey City, NJ.